The Los Angeles Times will welcome the world to Southern California for the 15th-annual Travel Show, to be held at the L.A. Convention Center, February 22, 23 and 24, 2013. The largest travel show for consumers and professionals in the western U.S., it encompasses an all-day trade event and weekend-long show for the public that's geared toward adventure seekers of all kinds. The Travel Show will bring together celebrity speakers, industry leaders, tour operators from around the globe and members of the media and attendance is expected to top 2012's record-setting event.

"Southern Californians are passionate about travel," said Mike Tannourji, Los Angeles Times Executive Vice President, Advertising. "The Times Travel Show and industry conference is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with consumers and members of all aspects of the trade, right here in the second-largest media market in the country."

Rick Steves (author and host of "Rick Steves' Europe"), Phil Keoghan (Emmy® Award-winning host of "The Amazing Race," best-selling author), Andrew McCarthy (actor, award-winning travel journalist, author of "The Longest Way Home") and Arthur Frommer (publisher of more than 340 Frommer's travel guides) are scheduled to headline over the weekend. Live talks with The Times' renowned journalists, entertaining demonstrations, fun on-site activities and access to on-the-ground experts from destinations all over the planet will also be presented at the must-attend travel event in Southern California.

"Los Angeles Times Travel Show is a once-a-year chance to browse every type of vacation you can possibly imagine and talk directly with the most seasoned experts and providers in the industry," said international travel authority John "Johnny Jet" DiScala, scheduled to speak at both the industry conference and weekend show. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

The industry conference, produced in collaboration with MSE Management, is a trade-only event featuring presentations from global, national and regional travel industry organization leaders, topical panel discussions, networking opportunities and an exclusive preview of the five-acre show floor. The program schedule, speakers and registration information is available now at latimes.com/travelshow.

The Los Angeles Times is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country, with a daily readership of 1.6 million and 2.7 million on Sunday, more than 16 million unique latimes.com visitors monthly and a combined print and online local weekly audience of 4.4 million. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Times has been covering Southern California for more than 130 years.